Bible Study - Understanding Prayer

Date: December 11, 2014

Scriptures: Colossians 3:12, 1 Corinthians 13, Philippians 3:7-8, John 1:12, Romans 4:21, Hebrews 11, John 20:31, Psalm 125:1, Psalm 119, Ezekiel 22:30, 1 Peter 2:9, John 16:23, 2 Corinthians 10:4, Ephesians 1:3, Psalm 27, Galatians 5:16, Philippians 4: 6

Sermon Topic: Understanding Prayer

There is an absolute connection between faith and prayer. How do I turn what the scripture says into the way I live?

Colossians 3:12-13 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; (13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Have a forgiving spirit. Even as Christ forgave us; he forgave us while we were in our sins. Romans 8:5- We had the forgiveness. The word of God works for us. When our lives are in line with God.

When we get our mindset and lifestyle conformed to this scripture then we are in the right relationship with Christ.

When we are in the right place – we can make our requests known to God.

1 Corinthians 13:2 – And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. You can have faith but if you don’t have love it doesn't profit you. Our standing in the word of God is determined by our love and faith.

Philippians 3:7-8 – But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. Nothing else matters when it comes to our relationship with Christ. We must put nothing before Christ – With that understanding we must trust what God says will work in our lives, because of the promises/covenant with God.

Take what God says and apply it – Never let your thoughts interfere with what God says.

Sarah and Abraham had to trust in God. Abraham believed in God. He trusted in him.

We as believers have circumstances that come up in our lives where we question, “How will I do this?” It’s not you – it’s God. The strength comes from God. Whenever you face something that is hard remember that faith acts like it is, so even if it’s not so, until it’s so.

It exists in the spiritual realm but it takes faith for it to be so. John 1:12 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. He gave those who received him, power.

The word of God is the final. Authority, when everyone has their say – I’m standing on the word of God.

Be mindful of Satan’s tactic to make you discouraged. We can call things that are not into existence.

There’s a difference between faith, belief and simply acknowledging something.

Faith isn’t a possession – it’s a decision.

I’m going to trust in God – no matter what. We can’t receive negativity as people of God.

No matter the relationship – I can’t be around doubtful people.

Words are seeds that manifest in your life.

If you profess that it won’t get better, it won’t. Faith works both ways. If you move from the place of believing that it will happen to doubting, it won’t happen.

Whatsoever you say, if you say to this mountain be thou removed and cast into the sea, it will obey you.

As Christians we persevere in faith. No one said it would be easy. Galatians 3 - Stand fast in the liberty of Christ. Don’t go back to the old belief system. You can’t fluctuate between the old believe system and faith.

Doubt cancels out everything. Without faith it’s impossible to please God. He’s a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

God rewards us. There are times when issues arise in our lives. You be the first to reconcile. It blocks your blessings. You must get past it. Get on with your life.

Both of us have an assignment in the kingdom. When you quarrel you are holding up God’s work. God is not the author of confusion.

If two brothers and sisters are at odds, it is our responsibility as Christians to help them reconcile to finish God’s work.

The school of faith teaches us to trust in God to solve our problems and trust in God when he decides not to solve our problems.

Your way is not my way. He will never leave nor forsake us. We have promises in the kingdom of God.

Romans 4:21 – And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. All of the promises of God will be kept. He has no “maybe” promises. God’s promises are as good as the real thing.

Hebrews 11:39 – And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.  they died in faith knowing that a heavenly promise would come to pass, but not during their lifetimes.

Scripture is designed to produce faith.

John 20:31 –But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.  We serve a faithful God, it’s a part of God’s character to be faithful. Trust in God and his words.

Psalm 125:1 – They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. When the storms of life come into your life – you need to have this verse in your spirit.

Trials will come – many are the afflictions of the righteous. Remember to trust in God and in his promises.

When you pray, go to the scripture and pray God’s words back to him. When you do this, no problem can harass you.

In our trouble and trials we are supposed to be the light of the world – because someone is always watching you.

The enemy and his people look for us to fail. When we continue to stand, the enemy loses his mind.

Psalm 119 – God needs our participation.

Ezekiel 22:30 – And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none. We control our environment.

You must say it with the confidence to believe what we say. 1 Peter 2:9 – But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. We are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, peculiar people. When God says that about me – It doesn't matter what others say about me.

We as God’s people have to live disciplined lives because of the distractions around us.

The church has been taught for years about our unworthiness that we don’t say what God says.

Affirm your faith by verbalizing what the scripture says about us. John 16:23 – And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Ask and you shall receive. Whatever you ask for in Jesus name – will be.

Walking by faith and not by sight. Put on mercy, long-suffering, forgiveness – then whatever we ask he shall give us.

Power in prayer is not based on emotions but on the word of God.

We don’t win victories by being emotional.

2 Corinthians 10:4 –  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. Those who pray in faith will receive what they request. We must step contrary thoughts from entering our minds. Fiery darts of the wicked are contrary thoughts. The thoughts will come but you don’t have to receive it.

Never allow the image to form in your mind, especially over a long period of time.

God doesn't have to answer immediately don’t get discouraged when it doesn't come today.

If he says it, it will happen. His words will not return to him empty.

Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.  We are already blessed. Everything in the natural world, existed first in the spiritual realm.

We are chose – predestined. Prayers aren't based on emotions – We discipline ourselves not to become emotional when we are facing a crisis.

Psalm 27 – The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Wait on the Lord – don’t get emotional or upset. We must praise God.

Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.  God won’t start something that he can’t complete. 

Don’t get emotional. Galatians 5:16 – This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. We are children of God. We should get excited about the victory.

We have a relationship with God. Our minds need to be renewed. The enemy attacks your mind. He tries to get us to think negative and feel sorry for ourselves. He wants us to feel alone.

Don’t allow negativity in. Christ is our advocate. He stands for us.

Christ died on the cross for us but won’t help now? He died so that we could live. Living in the kingdom isn't simply existing.

Speak encouraging words.

I’m Blessed

My Needs are Met With Christ

I’m Covered

Speak scripture into your lives.

When you do this what’s on the inside changes our outward appearance.

We must pray with confidence and compassion.

Every experience in our lives god uses it for good.

Joseph had a rough life. Everything happened to him.

God is preparing you for something that’s in your future, because you have purpose.

With purpose you must pursue it. Believers must be faithful and trusting

Philippians 4: 6 – Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. We make our requests and we’re thankful when we make our requests.

Praise should always accompany our requests. Lord, 

Continue to walk by faith not by sight.

When you start feeling down start to praise God.

Praise eliminates the sadness. We can’t praise God and be sad.

Keep praising him!

Keep saying that you are blessed.

Don’t let anything weigh you down.